Serious crimes like murder, forcible rape and robbery are down in Belen, while other crimes like assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft are up, according to a report released Monday by the City of Belen Police Department.

The report shows Belen had four murders in 2008, but that number dropped to one in 2009. That murder involved a 10-year-old boy who shot and killed his father on Vivian Drive.

Rapes dropped from three to one and robbery dropped from nine to eight.

“Some of these statistics are really good. It just shows progress for the city and the fine job the department is doing,” said Councilor Terese Ulivarri.

Other crimes remained at the same levels or rose.

Assaults rose to 51 from 43. Burglaries rose from 175 to 186. Motor vehicle thefts rose from 58 to 64.

The department handled more than 28,000 calls in 2009.

Police Chief Mike Chavez said his department is working to prevent crime by engaging officers in extensive training, abiding by national standards for law enforcement, and developing community partnerships.

“The department provides training for all of its officers and employees, far in excess of the state-mandated training requirements,” Chavez wrote in his report.

This page was published on February 17, 2010 at 10:23am and is filed under Police.